3.15.40 Use of Administrative Approvals and Waivers for Kinship Licenses

Applies to:  This policy applies to Licensing Division (LD) employees. 

Chapter Number & Title:  3.15 Kinship Care 

Policy Number & Title:  3.15.40 Use of Administrative Approvals and Waivers for Kinship Licenses

Effective Date:   July 1, 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to LD employees when administrative approvals or waivers are needed for kinship licenses. 

Authority

RCW 74.15.020  Definitions
RCW 74.15.040  Licenses for foster family homes required-Inspections
RCW 74.15.100  License application, issuance, duration, reclassification, location changes
RCW 74.15.110  Renewal of licenses
RCW 74.15.125  Probationary licenses-Child-specific licenses
Chapter 110-149 WAC  Licensing Requirements for Kinship Homes

Policy

  1. LD workers may request:
    1. Administrative Approval (Kinship) DCYF 15-411E for kinship homes when:
      1. Chapter 110-149 WAC allows for administrative approvals.
      2. The approval will:
        1. Allow kinship caregivers to be licensed.  
        2. Meet the specific needs of the children or youth in care.
        3. Be time limited.
        4. Continue federal funding for all children or youth placed in the home.
    2. Licensing Waiver (Kinship) DCYF 15-411B for kinship homes when:
      1. Chapter 110-149 WAC does not allow DCYF discretion to approve an exception to the licensing requirements.
      2. The approval will:
        1. Allow the kinship caregivers to be licensed.
        2. Meet the specific needs of the children or youth in care.
        3. Be time limited.
        4. Waive federal funding for all children or youth placed in the home.
  2. Senior administrators or designees must review and approve requests for administrative approvals and waivers.
  3. Supervisors must:
    1. Complete a provider action indicating the approved waiver.
    2. Revise and complete the existing provider action to include the new end date when the waiver is no longer needed.
    3. Notify the Financial Business Services Division IV-E specialist when waivers are either:
      1. Approved.
      2. No longer needed. 

Forms

Administrative Approval (Kinship) DCYF 15-411E (located in the Forms repository on the DCYF intranet)
Licensing Waiver (Kinship) DCYF 15-411B (located in the Forms repository on the DCYF intranet)

Resources

Use of Administrative Approvals and Waivers for Kinship Licenses (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, licensing division procedures)

Original Date:  July 1, 2025

Review Date:   July 31, 2029

Approved by:  Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division